Fox Moth Caterpillar (1 Viewer)

[brianfm]

I believe the photo below is of a Fox Moth caterpillar. It was taken on Lindisfarne on 10th Oct 09. Can that be confirmed or otherwise please?

I've been told elsewhere on the forum that these caterpillars can sting and that someone was lift with intense itching for two weeks after having held one in the hand. My three colleagues who handled this one in the photograph at length suffered no after effects what so ever. Were they just lucky?

 

[hjalava]

Yes, it is a Macrothylacia rubi larva. It's hair tips are toxic and I had once two weeks itching in my fingers...

 

[brianfm]

Thanks for the confirmation Harri.

 

[harry eales]

The Fox Moth is a common species on Lindisfarne, I've found it there regularly since the early 1960's. It does have a reputation for urticating hairs, but whether or not it effects you depends on how sensitive your skin is to them.

I've always considered it odd that many wet acid moorland moth species can also be found on arid dry sand dune habitat as well.

Harry

 

[brianfm]

The Fox Moth is a common species on Lindisfarne, I've found it there regularly since the early 1960's. It does have a reputation for urticating hairs, but whether or not it effects you depends on how sensitive your skin is to them.

I've always considered it odd that many wet acid moorland moth species can also be found on arid dry sand dune habitat as well.

Harry

Thanks Harry.

I must admit it is the first time I have come across this caterpillar. I had been wondering about sensitivity to the effects of the toxins.

Cheers